Despair not! Have you checked local junk yards for the part? You can typically find parts like that that have been scavenged for a lot less than the dealer will charge. Of course, that assumes you have the skills and time to do the replacement yourself.

This isn't uncommon. I had a 1984 Buick Regal that had to have its wiper motor replaced.

I agree with The Gripping Hand, though. Look at junk yards - what those in the biz call "after market" - and if you can't do it see if you can find a reputable mechanic to do it.

Dealers always cost more, don't you know?

Throw in the towel and get a Japanese car. I've never enjoyed driving a car more than the 300E I used to have, but it became ridiculously expensive to maintain. The Infiniti G35 that I've had for the past 5 years is plenty fast and so reliable that it isn't as ugly to me as it used to be.

TOYOTA

'nuff said...

When the first of the Llama-ettes came along, I gave up my 96 Wrangler for a Camry LE because I thought it the responsible thing to do, what with car-seats and all.

I leased the Camry for four years. And while it was solid and dependable, I was bored stiff.

When the lease ran out, I said to hell with it and bought another Wrangler. I've never looked back, and hope some day to hand it down to the gels.